Although we all achieved a lot during Science Year, we always knew that there was more that could be done. That is why we are delighted to be able to tell you that Science Year has been extended to the end of July 2003.

At the BA Festival on the 10th September 2002, Science Year unveiled its new name - Planet Science - and programme of activities. Our aims have also changed to allow us to respond to recent developments and focus on the most challenging issues in science education. They are to:

• Provide resources and advice to help secondary schools improve their science learning environment.
  
• Increase opportunities, either directly or indirectly, for the engagement of specific target audiences in science.
• To encourage young people to continue their engagement in science (particularly physical sciences) post-16.
• To coordinate and map the activities of organisations and individuals involved in science, in order to maximise their impact

We have already started to work towards achieving these aims through a number of projects and activities. Here are details of just two of them.

Thanks to the generosity of The Royal Society, with support from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Middlesex University, new science equipment will soon be on its way, free of charge, to maintained secondary schools across the UK. The equipment, which is an important component of Planet Science's 'Creative Classrooms' campaign, has a total value of £600,000 and comprises radioactivity kits, desktop manufacturing centres and DNA extraction kits. To get their free equipment, heads of science and design & technology departments simply need to reply to the information they will be asked during November 2002. The equipment will then be sent out to them from January 2003 onwards.

We are also producing a piece of software to help LEAs and schools with the process of building or redesigning a science laboratory. The software will sit alongside a series of case studies, which will include a range of different laboratory designs, styles and locations. We hope that the two resources will make the design and building process more straightforward and engaging, for all parties involved.

There are many, many more ways that you can get involved in, and benefit from, Planet Science. The best way to find out how is to pay regular visits to our resource-packed website at www.planet-science.com.